The HSE is asking those who are called for Covid tests to show up for them.
It follows the non-attendance for testing by between thirteen and 20 per cent of those called to some test centres in Donegal and Sligo.
Up to the 24th of January, 1,720 people were tested at St Conal’s in Donegal. But more than 13% of those called to the centre did not show up.
174 were tested at the Cleary Centre in Donegal; here 1.6% did not attend.
By far the highest non-attendance was at the Finisklin centre in Sligo town. Here, 429 people were tested but 20.5% of those called did not arrive for their test.
108 people were tested at the North West Business Park in Leitrim. But there should have been 5.2% more.
In a HSE briefing note for elected representatives, seen by Ocean FM News, they are asked for their help in encouraging their constituents who have been called for a test to please attend.
The note points out that it’s only through an efficient test and tracing system that the HSE can identify positive cases and work to combat the virus.
In a statement to Ocean FM News yesterday (Wed) evening, the HSE said DNA, or Did Not Attend, rates for the week ending 24th January for Sligo and Leitrim were higher than average.
It said there were a number of factors which contributed to this and which were outside of usual reasons for non-attendance.
However, a significant number of these people were offered a second appointment at test centres.
The HSE added that test centre staff had reviewed the numbers of DNAs in the last few weeks and were satisfied that all possible follow-up with people offered appointments was made.
Non-attendance for tests raises questions about the number of people with the virus but who are not diagnosed which, in turn, raises concern about it spreading.
However, the HSE also said it should be noted that non-attendance rates in recent days have now reduced.
